RESULTS in national examinations such as A-levels confirm that Jersey’s educational system is, in an important respect, performing very well indeed.

If this were not the case, the Island’s schools and their pupils would not top the exam league tables time after time.
Unfortunately, in spite of this evidence of excellence, it is also becoming clear that all may not be well at more elementary stages in the educative process.

If this were not the case, Highlands College would not be having to spend time, money and resources on teaching basic literacy and numeracy to some of the teenagers who go there to further their education.

Some will say that poor levels of competence in mathematics and the use of English are symptomatic of a decline in standards since some supposed golden age when all pupils gained a perfect understanding of basic numerical and linguistic skills. Even if there is a measure of truth in this largely mythical idea, it is of far less importance than an enduring educational rule – that some people are better than others at acquiring knowledge and developing understanding.

But this acknowledgement that ability is distributed unequally among the population is no excuse for a council of despair, complacency or crass elitism. Eagerness to learn is also a major factor, and one that can, with the application of teaching skill and determination, be manipulated to enable students of all sorts to develop to their full potential and to equip themselves with the tools they need for success in life.

It is clearly desirable that our young people remain star performers at A-level and GCSE, but we must not focus on high-flying performance in those examinations as the only determinant of educational success. If the signs at Highlands are indicative of a general failing, the problem must be addressed – in all probability through improved motivation of those who might wrongly regard themselves as the also-rans in the scholastic race.

This is of manifest importance for the individuals concerned and the opportunities that they are able to seize, but it is also vital for the future of the Island. Our major industry and source of wealth, finance, demands a workforce that is well-educated – not to mention committed, motivated and eager to give of its best.